Two-year tracker rates at lowest since November

11/06/2018

The average two-year tracker rate fell for the third month in a row in June to 1.92%, its lowest level since the base rate rise in November when it stood at 1.77%.

In March 2018 the tracker rate reached 2.00%, according to Moneyfacts.

Charlotte Nelson, finance expert at Moneyfacts, said: “Previously, providers were opting to almost ignore the tracker sector of the mortgage market with rates and product numbers starting to stagnate. However, since competition in the fixed rate market has reached new heights, providers have started considering the variable rate sector as a new avenue in which to attract borrowers.”

Nelson pointed out that “the two-year variable tracker market is significantly smaller than its fixed counterpart, so any change, particularly with some of the best deals, can have a swift impact on the average rate”.

While the average rate has gone down, the number of two-year tracker deals has increased, rising from 222 at the start of the year to 246 in June.

“Despite this small resurgence, demand for such deals is likely to be relatively low, particularly with a base rate rise looming on the horizon. However, the average two-year tracker rate is still considerably lower than the average two-year fixed rate, which stands at 2.52% this month.

“While times are uncertain it is easy to see why these comparatively low variable rates would be attractive to borrowers, particularly if they have large enough equity in their home that would ensure they’re not as affected by a rate rise if one occurred. However, any borrower considering a variable rate as an option will need to weigh up all the pros and cons before entering a deal.”